El Paso Locomotive FC (3-2-2, 11 pts, Group C – 2) at Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (1-4-1, 4 pts, Group C – 4)
Saturday, August 22 | Weidner Field; Colorado Springs, Colorado
Kickoff: 6:00 p.m. MT.
Live on ESPN+
@EPLocomotiveFC | #COSvSLC
Shortly after its 4-2 victory over Switchbacks FC, Locomotive FC will take on the Colorado side again, this time away from home. The El Paso side travels to Weidner Field as the two sides fight for a playoff spot as the abbreviated 2020 USL Championship season reaches the halfway mark.
2020 Stats Snapshot (ELP/COS)
Goals For 10 / 9
Goals Against 9 / 13
Min/goal 63 / 60
Possession 53% / 51%
Passing Acc. 83.5% / 82.2%
Fouls 72 / 72
Yellow Cards 18 / 10
Red Cards 0 / 1
Locomotive Run Down
Locomotive FC placed comfortable breathing room over the playoff line with a 1-0 victory over Real Monarchs last Saturday, giving El Paso a seven-point lead over both the Monarchs and Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC. Los Locos will be aiming to build on its two-game win-streak and further cement its spot in the playoffs with a fourth win over Switchbacks FC in series history.
Player to Watch: A powerhouse in the backline, Defender Chiro N’toko is the Locomotive FC Player to Watch ahead of Saturday’s contest. Captaining the team, Chiro’s mindful presence and read of the game helped lead Locomotive FC to a clean sheet against Real Monarchs last Saturday. With Chiro at the center of the defensive line, watch for Locomotive FC to effectively shut down the Switchbacks offense on Saturday.
Switchbacks FC Run Down
Colorado Switchbacks FC winless woes continue since returning to play for the 2020 season. Despite some strong performances to steal points with a draw, Switchbacks FC has only secured the full three points once – its season opener in early March. Eager to snap the winless streak, Switchbacks FC will be looking to use its home field to its advantage to claim its first win over Locomotive FC.
Player to Watch: Midfielder Hiroki Kurimoto was a key element against New Mexico United last Saturday, helping hold off the usually deadly United offense to only having one goal in the night. Kurimoto completed 90.7% of his passes while making six tackles, two clearances, and one interception to gain possession for his side four times throughout the night. Able to transition the ball from defense to attack, and stop offensive runs in the midfield, Kurimoto is the Switchbacks FC Player to Watch at Weidner Field this Saturday.